Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Compare and Contrast Essay: Writing Prompt & Rubric

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

8

Overview

This resource includes a writing prompt and a rubric. The activity focuses on expository writing with a compare and contrast structure. The document includes space for students to compose their essays inside the resource. A rubric is provided to students for self-assessment.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 8

    ELA21.8.8

    Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.8.8

    Vocabulary

    • Narrative writing
    • Argument writing
    • Informative/explanatory writing
    • Writing development
    • Writing organization
    • Style
    • Tone
    • Task
    • Purpose
    • Audience
    • Command of language

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story.
    • The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position.
    • Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources.
    • The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience.
    • Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language.

      Skills

      Students are able to:
      • Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings.
      • Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
      • Demonstrate command of the written language.

      Understanding

      Students understand that:
      • There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes.
      • The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
      • Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language.

      Phase

      After/Explain/Elaborate
      Learning Objectives

      Learning Objectives

      Students will be able to compose an objective expository essay that compares and contrasts two similar subjects with a logical organizational structure.

      Students will be able to use transitions to communicate a message clearly and effectively.

      Students will be able to correctly follow language conventions to clearly communicate a message. 

      Students will be able to provide relevant, credible information to support and develop their message.

      Activity Details

      1. The teacher will share the Compare and Contrast Essay resource with students by either adding it to their digital classroom or sharing it directly through email.

      2. Students will be prompted to make a copy of the resource.

      3. The teacher will explain the writing prompt to the students.

      4. The teacher should review the rubric with the students before they begin writing.

      5. The students should be given time to plan, draft, and revise their work.

      6. The teacher will grade student work using the attached rubric and return it to students. It is suggested that teachers provide additional feedback in the document where appropriate.

      Assessment Strategies

      Assessment Strategies

      A rubric is included within the resource. This rubric will assess the following learning objectives:

      Students will be able to compose an objective expository essay that compares and contrasts two similar subjects with a logical organizational structure.

      Students will be able to use transitions to communicate a message clearly and effectively.

      Students will be able to correctly follow language conventions to clearly communicate a message. 

      Students will be able to provide relevant, credible information to support and develop their message.

      Variation Tips

      The resource can be adapted for use with a variety of expository writing prompts. The resource may also be used as a pre-assessment before teaching an expository writing unit. 

      Background and Preparation

      Background / Preparation

      Students should have been exposed to instruction on the main components of an expository essay and the writing process before completing this activity. The teacher will need to share the resource with students either by adding it to their digital classroom or by sharing it with students directly via email. 

      Digital Tools / Resources

      ALSDE LOGO